Future Androids could be findable even powered off, just like iPhones

Date:
Thu, 06 Apr 2023 16:13:18 +0000

Description:
Google is adding features to Android 14 that will make phones findable even after they've powered down.

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Future Android phones running Android 14 and later could work together to
make devices easier to find, even when the devices are turned off. Current iPhone 14 and older iPhones dating back to the iPhone 11 can already perform the same function, but Google is baking the feature into an upcoming Android upgrade and hoping for wider support from phone makers.

There are a number of ways a phone can remain findable even when the device
is technically powered off. Googles model, according to tipsters who leaked the news to 91Mobiles , will keep sending power to the phones Bluetooth
module after youve shut down. The Bluetooth feature can broadcast a variety
of data to nearby devices, including location data and personal identifiers.

All modern iPhones and some of the best Android phones also have ultra wideband radio (UWB) for location. This is the tech Apple uses in its AirTags , and it works wonderfully. Google is rumored to be working on a UWB locator tag as well, perhaps to launch with its next Pixel phones.

Samsung includes UWB in the Galaxy S23 Plus and S23 Ultra , but not the base model Galaxy S23 . Samsung tags are inexplicably pricier than Apples AirTags and the battery doesnt last as long, but you need to use UWB locators that
are compatible with the phone you own, so thats your only option if you have
a nicer Galaxy. Finding a way to find a phone

Google could presumably also use the UWB feature for location even when the phone is turned off, as it is designed to draw minimal power for battery-enabled tags. The 91Mobiles leak suggests that Google will brand this feature Pixel Power-Off Finder, which is quite a mouthful. Whatever its called, it will be nice to have this working.

The best way for phones to be discoverable using Bluetooth is when devices
can talk to each other, which is why Google is encouraging phone makers to adopt a power-off Bluetooth module in upcoming devices. The code for this
leak was apparently spotted in an early build of Android 14 that is being
sent to manufacturers for future development. Its therefore not clear if any current devices on the market can support this feature, including Googles own Pixel 7 family.

Both Apple and Samsung offer extended warranty plans (at least in the US)
that include accidental theft and loss protection. For the iPhone, at least, you need to make sure the Find My iPhone feature has been turned on, or else your lost iPhone will not qualify for a claim.

The fine print for Samsungs similar warranty doesnt seem to have any such requirement, though that will likely change if Samsung and other
manufacturers adopt Googles new power-off plan.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/future-androids-could-be-findable-even-powered- off-just-like-iphones


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